Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will bring greetings at the unveiling of the St. John’s International Airport’s “Art Upon Arrival” project tomorrow (Tuesday, January 31).

The event will take place at St. John’s International Airport, 100 World Parkway, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

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The House of Assembly advises that a meeting of the Management Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, January 31 at 1:30 p.m. The meeting will be televised on the House of Assembly broadcast channel and streamed on the House of Assembly website.

As provided for in subsection 19(1) of the House of Assembly Accountability Integrity and Administration Act, an in camera session will follow the televised portion of the meeting.

Briefing materials for the televised portion of the meeting will be available on the website at 1 p.m. tomorrow (January 31). The agenda for the meeting follows.

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House of Assembly Management Commission Agenda

Date: January 31, 2023
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: House of Assembly Chamber

Televised Meeting

2. Approval of Minutes:
   • November 24, 2022
   • December 5, 2022
   • January 13, 2023
3. Speaker’s Report – Rulings on Allowance Use
4. Audited Financial Statements – House of Assembly & Statutory Offices (excluding the Office of the Auditor General) – year ended 31 March 2022
5. Audited Financial Statements – Office of the Auditor General – year ended 31 March 2022
6. Appointment of Auditor – House of Assembly & Statutory Offices – year ended 31 March 2023
7. Budget Transfer Request
8. Audit Committee Recommendations

In Camera Meeting

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will announce the recipients of the 2022-23 Indigenous Violence Prevention Grants Program tomorrow (Tuesday, January 31).

The event begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Stephenville Lion’s Club, 2 Woodland Street, Stephenville.

Minister Parsons will be joined by representatives from the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network, Empowering Indigenous Women for Stronger Communities and additional Indigenous violence prevention programs and projects.

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In-person access to the Student Aid Office at Coughlan College, 216 Prince Philip Drive, St. John’s has been temporarily suspended for the duration of the strike action taken by the Memorial University Faculty Association.

Students may continue to access the Student Aid program via email studentaidenquiry@gov.nl.ca or by calling toll-free 1-888-657-0800 or local 709-729-5849.

The Department of Education is taking steps to ensure there is no disruption in student aid services for students.

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Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Education
709-729-1906, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, has announced the following relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.

UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:
Loon Bay Access Trail                                                                             (Reg. 2232)
Proponent: Shane Hurley                                                           

The proponent intends to repair an old logging skidder road and construct approximately 500 metres of new trail to an existing cabin lot. The trail would provide access to the cabin by personal UTV or ATV. The proposed access trail will be 3-4 metres wide, beginning from an existing road off of route 340 approximately four kilometres west of the town of Loon Bay. A description of the project can be found on the department’s web page at https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list.

The undertaking was registered on January 25, 2023; the deadline for public comment is March 3, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by March 11, 2023.

UNDERTAKING WITHDRAWN:
Crown Zone 3 Five-Year Operating Plan Amendment (2022-2026)             (Reg. 2229)
Proponent:  Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture 

 

Learn more
Environmental Assessment Division
Department of Environment and Climate Change
West Block, Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700, St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6

Public comments may be forwarded to: EAprojectcomments@gov.nl.ca

Environmental assessment information is available at:

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/GUIDE-TO-THE-PROCESS_May-2022.pdf

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

If you submit comments on a project that is under environmental assessment, please advise the Department if you DO NOT wish to share your comments with the project proponent.

 

 

 

 

 

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes today, January 27, as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Government stands with Jewish communities to remember the tragedy of the Holocaust so that, through reflection and learning, humanity will never again be stained by such condemnable actions.

At the request of the Ministerial Committee on Anti-Racism, Confederation Building will be lit on the night of January 27 to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day. This is part of the #WeRemember campaign, where public venues across Canada will be bathed in yellow light of remembrance.

In 2005, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution that declared January 27, the liberation date of Auschwitz Concentration Camp, to be an international day of remembrance for victims of the Holocaust.

This year’s theme for International Holocaust Remembrance Day is ‘Home and Belonging’. The theme is meant to showcase the lives of victims and survivors of the Holocaust.

‘Home and Belonging’ reminds us that we must counter disinformation, anti-Semitism and hate speech whenever and wherever it is found. This is our only option. The annals of history are filled with atrocities that result from inaction.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day comes at an important moment in the fight against this pernicious threat. Multiple reports point to an increase in anti-Semitic comments and acts that include racism, holocaust denial, and hate crimes in Canada.

The Provincial Government continues to stand with Jewish friends and neighbours, and challenge anti-Semitism in all its forms. It is incumbent upon us all to celebrate the rich history of Jewish people in Newfoundland and Labrador and to stand by them, to encourage peace and understanding amongst everyone who calls this place home.

Sincerely:
Honourable Gerry Byrne, Co-Chair
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

Honourable Lisa Dempster, Co-Chair
Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Education

Honourable John Hogan
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

 

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Residents are advised that the Corner Brook Arts and Culture Swimming Pool will be closed on Monday, January 30, 2023, in order to carry out required maintenance.

The facility will resume normal operations on Tuesday, January 31, 2023.

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Tomorrow, January 28, 2023, is Data Privacy Day, which is an internationally recognized day, dedicated to creating awareness about the importance of privacy and the protection of personal information.

The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner joins other Canadian privacy oversight offices and privacy advocates, as well as the global privacy community, in celebrating Data Privacy Day.

Data privacy can be defined many different ways, but one basic element is the right to control who gets to see your personal information. However, as technology is ever-changing, controlling who can collect, use and disclose your personal information is becoming increasingly difficult. More and more personal information is being collected and used by governments and public bodies, potentially affecting your right to privacy.

Privacy has been recognized by the Supreme Court of Canada as a right of all Canadians under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In this Province, privacy has been protected by law through the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 and the Personal Health Information Act.

To help celebrate Data Privacy Day, Commissioner Michael Harvey is releasing a new video explaining your privacy rights under Newfoundland and Labrador law. This video is available for deaf, hearing-impaired and visually-impaired individuals. To view this video, please visit www.oipc.nl.ca/events/data-privacy-day.

Data Privacy Day encourages everyone to own their privacy responsibilities by becoming more informed about who has access to their personal information and how their personal information is being used.

For further information about the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner and your privacy rights, please visit our website at www.oipc.nl.ca.

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Follow us on Twitter @OIPCNL

Media contact
Sean Murray
Director of Research and Quality Assurance
709-729-6309

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January 29 in Newfoundland and Labrador is designated as the Day of Remembrance for the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia.

As this day approaches, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues its commitment to combatting Islamophobia while remembering and paying tribute to those killed or injured in the horrific events six years ago at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City. We also condemn the evil nature of this crime that preyed upon people during a vulnerable and sacred moment inside a house of worship.

At the request of the Ministerial Committee on Anti-Racism, Confederation Building will be lit green on Sunday, January 29, 2023. The colour green has long been associated with the Islamic faith. Ministers will also be participating in the Green Square Campaign that takes place throughout the week leading up to January 29. Those looking to take part in this collective act of remembrance are encouraged to wear green squares or green clothing.

The Provincial Government and the Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador are working together to recognize and celebrate the growing communities of Muslims across Newfoundland and Labrador. In addition to ongoing conversations and recognition of Islamic calendar observances, a timeline and list of new actions taken since January 2022 are detailed below. Related pictures are included below.

• April: At the request of the Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, worked to prevent the showing of a film that was inciting anti-Muslim violence in other parts of the world.
• Early May: Joined hundreds of Muslims in St. John’s as part of the first large Eid gathering in three years.
• Late May: Condemned violence against Muslim women and girls in response to an alleged assault of Muslim women wearing hijab outside a St. John’s restaurant.
• June: Funded the expansion of a new Association for New Canadians office in Gander that will help serve the growing Muslim community in the region and met with representatives of the Muslim Association of Central Newfoundland.
• October: Issued a joint proclamation with the Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador to recognize October as Islamic History Month and collaborated on the video entitled ‘A Brief History of Muslims in Newfoundland and Labrador.’

We continue to stand with our Muslim friends and neighbours against the scourge of Islamophobia while raising awareness and celebrating their cultures and contributions that enrich our province.

Sincerely:
Honourable Gerry Byrne, Co-Chair
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

Honourable Lisa Dempster, Co-Chair
Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Education

Honourable John Hogan
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

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Lighting Confederation Building green to mark the first Day of Remembrance and Action Against Islamophobia. Eid al-Fitr at the Techniplex in St. John’s. The first large Eid gathering in Newfoundland and Labrador since 2019. Opening of new Association for New Canadians office in Gander. The office will help serve a growing population of Muslims in Central Newfoundland. Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador President, Dr.Syed Pirzada, signing the Islamic History Month proclamation. Still frame from the opening shot of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador production of ‘A Brief History of Muslims in Newfoundland and Labrador.’

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will deliver the keynote address at Northwind’s 19th Annual Electricity Invitational Forum tonight (Thursday, January 26).

The event takes place at Langdon Hall, 1 Langdon Drive, Cambridge, Ontario beginning at 8:45 p.m. (NST).

Northwind provides uniquely tailored forums for senior business executives and regulators/government representatives in a variety of Canada’s key industries.

 

 

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The Provincial Government has approved $100,000 through the Innovation and Business Investment Corporation in non-repayable funding support for Quorum Information Systems Inc. (Quorum) to help facilitate productivity enhancement initiatives.

Quorum is a Canadian technology company with significant operations in St. John’s, operating in the automotive dealership management system industry. The company’s signature product is an enterprise management software that provides a one-stop-shop solution to automate, integrate and streamline every department in a dealership.

With a diverse client segmentation and over 1,400 customers to date, Quorum is a high growth company, having first opened its doors in St. John’s in 2006 with only five employees. The company focused on retaining key personnel who wanted to return home to Newfoundland and Labrador. Currently, Quorum employs 120 positions in the province across corporate finance, human resources and software development units.

The Provincial Government assistance, awarded under the Business Development Support Program, will help Quorum to enhance employer brand development, employee satisfaction and the employee experience and post-pandemic personnel retention initiatives, with a particular focus on leadership, diversity and inclusion. This, in turn, will promote productivity and company growth.

Quotes
“Our government is proud to be supporting a company that prioritizes its human capital the way Quorum does. Through this project, Quorum is demonstrating a commitment to invest in its employees and cultivate a workforce that will achieve long-term enterprise growth. This, in turn, will enable the organization to continue to provide high value professional and technical employment opportunities for the people of the province.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“We are delighted that the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology is supporting Quorum with this project. Quorum has always placed an emphasis on retaining and recruiting top talent. This project, once completed, will enable Quorum to be a post-pandemic employer of choice and will allow us to further grow employment in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Maury Marks
Quorum Information Systems Inc.

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Since September 2022, the Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs has delivered over 40 training and information sessions to municipal councils and staff throughout the province, including mandatory training and information sessions on the Municipal Conduct Act and Code of Conduct templates.

To date, 1,800 councillors, senior staff and other municipal officials have participated in training with the department, with 300 councillors having completed all required training.

In addition to mandatory training on a municipality’s codes of conduct, mandatory training is required on conflict of interest; council budgets and financial management; roles and responsibilities of councillors and chief administrative officers; meetings and procedures; and access to information and protection of privacy.

Registration is currently open for training sessions being held in February, March and April.  Registration forms for sessions are available here. To register for a session, send a completed form to MAPATraining@gov.nl.ca.

Training opportunities will also be available to municipalities through third-party consultants, with materials approved by Municipal and Provincial Affairs.

The Municipal Conduct Act was proclaimed on September 1, 2022. In accordance with the new legislation, a council is required to establish codes of conduct that apply to all councillors and municipal officials by March 1, 2023 and to complete training related to their code of conduct within three months of the establishment of the codes. In addition, a councillor and chief administrative officer are required to have their mandatory training completed as of September 1, 2023.

Quote
“Close to 200 municipalities have taken training with the department since September. This is very encouraging as we work to ensure councillors and staff are knowledgeable and well equipped to conduct the business of their municipalities with integrity and professionalism. Officials with the department are an excellent resource for municipal leaders, providing training, guidance and advice whenever needed.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs

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Learn more
Municipal Conduct Act

Municipal Conduct Act Regulations

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-001 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. A summary of the Report is included below.

To view the Report in its entirety, please go to http://www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/commissioner.

Report: A-2023-001 Report Date: January 25, 2023 Public Body: Town of Musgrave Harbour Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to the Town of Musgrave Harbour, seeking a copy of an investigation report. The Town responded that it did not have the report and the Complainant filed a complaint with our Office. The Commissioner found that the report’s author had provided the report to legal counsel for the Town and the report was therefore under the control of the Town. The Commissioner recommended that the Town obtain the report from its counsel and provide it to the Complainant, less any applicable exceptions.

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Media contact
Sean Murray
Director of Research & Quality Assurance
709-729-6309

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The Provincial Government is moving ahead with a pre-feasibility study on the construction of a road connecting the Trans-Labrador Highway to communities in northern Labrador.

A $269,350 contract has been awarded to Allnorth Consultants Limited to complete the study, which will undertake consultations in Labrador and will consider:

• The advantages and disadvantages of potential routes;
• The cost of constructing necessary infrastructure;
• Post-construction road maintenance;
• Weather conditions and climate change impacts; and
• Socio-economic and environmental impacts.

Indigenous land use, harvesting, and cultural and ecological values will be considered in all aspects of the study, as informed by consultations with the Nunatsiavut Government; five Inuit Community Governments of Nain, Hopedale, Postville, Makkovik, and Rigolet; Innu Nation; Mushuau Innu First Nation; and Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation; the NunatuKavut Community Council; the Town of North West River; and the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

A report on the study is due in late 2023. More details on the procurement of the study are available on merx.com.

The pre-feasibly study is the next step in improving transportation in Labrador. It follows more than 1,100 kilometres of paving on the Trans-Labrador Highway between the Labrador Straits and Labrador West, which was completed in July 2022. Nearly $1 billion has been invested to build and pave the highway since 1997, including more than $230 million since 2016.

Quotes
“This pre-feasibility study is an important next step to the potential development of a road into northern Labrador. This ensures government is doing its due diligence before moving ahead with a feasibility study and construction by considering the cost, impact on communities, settled or asserted Aboriginal rights, Indigenous values, land use and knowledge and consultation with people of the region.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“The Provincial Government is committed to mapping out a strategy to develop and improve the transportation network in Labrador. The contractor will assess the many factors associated with the concept of building a road that could link the North Coast to Central Labrador. This includes incorporating the views of residents and communities, which are essential in the study process.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

“The award of this contract is important for the people of Labrador, as it shows our commitment to the transportation network. I look forward to the consultations, analyses and recommendations as to how best to proceed.”
Perry Trimper
MHA for the District of Lake Melville

“I am pleased that we are another step closer to making this important infrastructure investment a reality by proceeding with this pre-feasibility study. Knowledge and guidance from Indigenous communities, consultations with local stakeholders, and environmental considerations from this study will provide the government with valuable information prior to its development. Our government continues to make transport in and out of Labrador’s north a top priority.”
Yvonne Jones
Parliamentary Secretary to the Federal Minister of Natural Resources and to the Federal Minister of Northern Affairs

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Learn more
The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador Invest in a Pre-Feasibility Study for a Road into Northern Labrador

Trans-Labrador Highway Paving Completed Marking Historic Day in the Big Land

 

 

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The Provincial Government has expanded the criteria for the health care professions eligible to receive the Come Home Incentive, first announced in October 2022. With this change, the incentive is now available for eligible Clinical Psychologists, Respiratory Therapists, Radiation Therapists (including Dosimetrists), Cardiology Technologists and Medical Physicists.

The incentive is aimed at encouraging former residents of Newfoundland and Labrador who are now living away to come home and work. As with the original incentive, it is available to eligible individuals from Newfoundland and Labrador who have been living outside the province for at least six months.

 The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, will be available to the media today (Thursday, January 26) at 11:15 a.m. to discuss this initiative. The availability will take place in the main lobby of East Block, Confederation Building and will be livestreamed on Facebook.

In order to qualify for the program, at least one of the following criteria must be applicable:

• Born in Newfoundland and Labrador;
• Trained in Newfoundland and Labrador;
• Performed residency in Newfoundland and Labrador;
• Educated in Newfoundland and Labrador;
• Previously practiced in Newfoundland and Labrador for a period greater than 12 months; or
• Have other ties to Newfoundland and Labrador considered on a one-off basis, using the professional judgment of the regional health authority in the spirit and intent of this incentive.

Once the criteria has been met, eligible applicants may then qualify for one of the following incentives:

• Clinical Psychologist: $50,000 for three year return-in-service agreement;
• Radiation Therapist (including Dosimetrists): $50,000 for three year return-in-service agreement;
• Cardiology Technologist: $50,000 for three year return-in-service agreement;
• Medical Physicist: $50,000 for three year return-in-service agreement; or
• Respiratory Therapist: $50,000 for three year return-in-service agreement.

While this initiative is aimed at ex-patriate Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, incentives are also available for non-Newfoundland and Labrador residents at the following rates and service agreements:

• Clinical Psychologist: $25,000 for three year return-in-service agreement;
• Radiation Therapist (including Dosimetrists): $25,000 for three year return-in-service agreement;
• Cardiology Technologist: $25,000 for three year return-in-service agreement;
• Medical Physicist: $25,000 for three year return-in-service agreement; or,
• Respiratory Therapist: $25,000 for three year return-in-service agreement.

In order to qualify, applicants are required to have a job offer from one of the regional health authorities. Individuals who avail of the Come Home Incentive for health care professionals are still eligible for other incentives previously announced for which they may qualify.

As of December 2022, approximately 30 individuals have accepted offers from the original Come Home 2022 incentive, at a value of approximately $2.2 million. Details of the original incentive program can be found in the backgrounder below.

 Quote
“Our ongoing recruitment and retention efforts are essential as we reimagine the provincial health system. Our innovative approach and targeted incentives have yielded positive results to date. We are confident that the expanded Come Home program will continue to help boost the attractiveness of our health community, and the ultimate goal of improving access to care in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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BACKGROUNDER

2022 Come Home Incentives 

In October 2022, a Come Home 2022 incentive was announced to help bring health care professionals back to the province. Aimed at physicians, nurses and paramedics, the initiative is available to individuals from Newfoundland and Labrador who have been living outside the province for at least six months.

Occupation Former NL Resident Non NL Resident Incentive Return in Service Incentive Return in Service Physician $100,000 5 Years $50,000 3 Years Nurse Practitioner $60,000 3 Years $30,000 3 Years Registered Nurse $50,000 3 Years $25,000 3 Years Licensed Practical Nurse $50,000 3 Years $25,000 3 Years Advanced Care Paramedic $50,000 3 Years $25,000 3 Years Primary Care Paramedic $50,000 3 Years $25,000 3 Years

More details on the Come Home 2022 incentive can be found here.

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The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture have reached an agreement for the Provincial Government to invest $2 million over three years to drive workforce development and support continued growth of this flourishing sector.

This investment, funded through the Canada – Newfoundland Labrador Labour Marketing Development Agreement, supports farmers and secondary processors in the agriculture sector to fine-tune their human resources needs and unlock new markets for their products. The Provincial Government is committed to supporting the workforce development needs of the agriculture sector and ensuring its innovative and industrious members receive the tools necessary to continue their rapid growth.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture will start developing strategies to continue diversifying the province’s agriculture industry, and stimulate employment by updating skills the sector requires. This will include profiling employment opportunities in agriculture, and contributing to the development of additional agriculture-related studies at Grenfell Campus of Memorial University and the College of the North Atlantic. Farmers will be connected with programs to help fund training for new employees so that their workforce is equipped with the latest industry best practices.

For additional examples of continuing support for workforce development throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, please see the backgrounder below.

Quotes
“The agriculture industry is thriving, as innovative farmers grow their businesses along with fruits, vegetables and livestock, and a supportive government is investing to expand their workforce. This funding will help farmers continue their impressive growth and ensure that even more local food is served on tables throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

“Newfoundland and Labrador’s agriculture sector recently doubled food self-sufficiency in fruit and vegetable production, and doubled the amount of Crown land developed and enhanced for crop production. I look forward to seeing even more growth in agriculture and support for farmers through this timely investment in skills and workforce development.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

“The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture is pleased to once again receive the support of the Provincial Government to grow the sector. This planning is about making sure our farmers can successfully staff their operations in the years ahead so they can continue to grow crops and feed more Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Wayne Simmons
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture

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Labour Market Partnerships: Eligibility and How to Apply

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 BACKGROUNDER

Continuing support for workforce development in Newfoundland and Labrador

• Investing more than $100 million annually in workforce development, which includes supports for recruitment and retention and skills development.
• Providing supports to 15,000 individuals and 2,500 employers.
• Annual investments include:
  • $2.6 million for over 300 employers to train more than 3,600 individuals to get the skills they need;
  • $47 million to assist 3,800 people get training to connect them with employment; and
  • $14 million to connect 1,000 employees to employers through wage subsidies.
• Programs include:
  • Wage subsidies for employers to create sustainable long-term or seasonal employment. Funding helps offset salary costs to create new positions;
  • The Labour Market Partnership Program provides funding for partnerships to develop strategies to human resource requirements;
  • The Strategic Innovation and Expansion Pilot for groups and organizations to create effective ways to manage human resource capacity building; and
  • The Canada NL Job Grant to provide funding to help the cost of training existing or future employees.

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A Request for Proposals has been issued to acquire, develop and utilize pasture land located near Pouch Cove on the Avalon Peninsula.

Applications are open to recognized, not-for-profit pasture committees. The successful committee will receive a Licence to Occupy Crown land, with specific conditions to utilize the property as a community pasture.

The Request for Proposal Guide, including an overview and suitability map of the land available for development, is available here.

The deadline to submit proposals is Friday, February 17, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. For more information, email jdelriz@gov.nl.ca.

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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation is inviting athletes throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to apply for funding from the 2023 Athletic Excellence Fund.

The Athletic Excellence Fund supports local athletes by providing financial assistance to help offset the costs associated with training and competition. Funding is provided to athletes through four different streams – the Premier’s Athletic Awards, the Team Gushue Awards, the Elite Athlete Assistance Program, and the Sport NL Scholarship Program.

In order to apply, applicants must be members in good standing of a Provincial Sport Organization. Completed applications must be submitted to an individual’s respective Provincial Sport Organization by Wednesday, February 15, 2023. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. The application form and guidelines for applicants are available here.

Quote
“Athletes throughout our province work hard every day to achieve their goals, and in doing so inspire all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to pursue active, healthy lifestyles. The Athletic Excellence Fund is our way of supporting them in their efforts, and I encourage all eligible athletes to apply through their provincial sport organizations.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, is congratulating nominees for the 2023 East Coast Music Awards (ECMAs). The announcement took place yesterday at an event in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the host city for this year’s awards.

In total, 58 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians received nominations across 15 different categories, marking another fantastic year of recognition for artists from this province.

The East Coast Music Awards: Festival and Conference is a five-day, non-stop musical celebration showcasing and recognizing the best of east coast artists and music. This year, the ECMAs are celebrating their 35th anniversary, and will shine a spotlight on the past, present, and future of music in Atlantic Canada. The ECMAs take place May 3-7, 2023.

Quotes
“I’m very proud to see so many individuals and groups from this province being recognized among some of the best and brightest musicians from Atlantic Canada. Congratulations to all nominees and best of luck at the ECMAs in May.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“We are so proud of the representation from our province. With nominations in over 15 different categories, we are pleased with the increase in diversity of genre and the showcasing of newcomer musicians.”
Rhonda Tulk-Lane
CEO, MusicNL

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East Coast Music Awards

MusicNL

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The Department of Justice and Public Safety is reminding the public of the approaching deadline to apply for assistance under the Newfoundland and Labrador Disaster Financial Assistance Program. The program is for municipalities and local service districts, small business owners, not-for-profits and home owners who sustained damage during Hurricane Fiona in September 2022.

The deadline for receipt of applications is this Tuesday (January 31). Information is available online or by calling 1-888-395-5611.

As of January 24, over 200 applications have been received. If individuals have not yet applied because they are waiting for a response from their insurance provider, they should still apply before the deadline. Documents from insurance providers or other required documentation can be submitted after the deadline as long as your application has been received by the deadline.

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